Three member panel to select successor

After 39 years, long-time Wayne County Treasurer Raymond Wojtowicz is planning to retire.

A woman who identified herself as Wojtowicz's wife during a call to his Hamtramck home today confirmed the retirement plans, but she declined to provide any details. Wojtowicz could not be reached for comment.

Former Wayne County Chief Deputy Treasurer David Szymanski, who left his position Sept. 1 as part of a wave of county retirements ahead of benefit changes anticipated under the consent agreement with the state, called his former boss a "humble, God-fearing man," who eschews the limelight.

He said Wojtowicz, a former mayor of Hamtramck who's voice and face has become recognizable on radio and TV ads for the treasurer's auctions, has been committed to helping people in his role and made major changes to the treasurer's office since he became treasurer in August of 1976.

"He took us from written manuscript ledgers to online auctions and a complete IT system," Szymanski said. "He took us basically from the Stone Age to the new millennium."

Wojtowicz's long service was noted by a number of prominent local leaders.

"Ray is one of those that devoted their life to public service. He has dedicated nearly 40 years to serving the people of Wayne County as our treasurer; and for that commitment he deserves our respect and gratitude. I wish him the best in his retirement," according to a statement from Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.

"Treasurer Wojtowicz has been a friend for years and a true partner in the city's efforts to keep families facing foreclosure in their homes. Thanks to his personal commitment and the support of the state Legislature, tens of thousands of Detroiters were able to receive the assistance they needed to avoid foreclosure," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement from his office.

In 2012, a controversial bonus Wojtowicz legally collected as treasurer became a political issue in Lansing. The bonus was awarded to county treasurers for collecting taxes on behalf of municipalities. Over the years, Wojtowicz collected more than $500,000 in bonus pay alone. In December 2012, Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill eliminating the bonus.

Szymanski noted that the 86-year-old Wojtowicz was on the committee that penned the county charter, which was adopted by the county commission in 1981.

Selecting a new treasurer would appear to add extra uncertainty to an office already dealing with numerous retirements this fall as well as its largest-ever tax-foreclosure auction.

However, Szymanski would likely be a candidate to replace to Wojtowicz.

Szymanski said that he would "love" to be the next treasurer, a decision that would be made by a committee made up of Chief Probate Judge Freddie Burton Jr., Clerk Cathy Garrett and Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

"Absolutely, I love the staff there so much and what we’ve been able to accomplish there over the last four years," Szymanski said of his time as the deputy, noting that he would hope to carry on that legacy.